Hotel Catalina

I have been going to Jaco almost every year since 1994 and I can't imagine staying anywhere other than the Hotel Catalina. I still can't believe I found this place tucked away at the south end of the beach away from all the noise of downtown Jaco. And it was exactly as the website described it. Naomi and Sandra are always so welcoming and make me feel right at home from the minute I get there(usually in the middle of the night) The rooms are clean and comfortable and you can't get any closer to the beach. The garden setting is perfect for enjoying the sunset each night and the hotel dog Dino is more than happy to keep you company as the sun goes down.

“Home away from home”

Hotel Catalina

I have been going to Jaco almost every year since 1994 and I can't imagine staying anywhere other than the Hotel Catalina. I still can't believe I found this place tucked away at the south end of the beach away from all the noise of downtown Jaco. And it was exactly as the website described it. Naomi and Sandra are always so welcoming and make me feel right at home from the minute I get there(usually in the middle of the night) The rooms are clean and comfortable and you can't get any closer to the beach. The garden setting is perfect for enjoying the sunset each night and the hotel dog Dino is more than happy to keep you company as the sun goes down.

All the rooms have a kitchenette which comes in very handy when you just don't feel like going into town to eat. But it's a beautiful walk along the beach when you do venture out. I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone who wants a nice quiet beach vacation, whether you are single, a couple, or family.

I can't wait to go back again next year.

“The only place to stay when visiting Jaco, Costa Rica!”

Hotel Catalina

I was excited for my second trip to Costa Rica and as I drove down the beachfront street that lead to Hotel Catalina the view was beautiful just as I remembered it. When I arrived in front of the hotel I was instantly embraced by the gorgeous atmosphere and welcoming owners. The kind faces of Sandra and Naomi put me at ease. My room was spacious with a kitchenette and private bathroom. I also had a balcony where I watched some of the most incredible sunsets over the water. I was able to spend a significant amount of time at Hotel Catalina, longer than most vacations, and during my stay I was never disappointed with the service or accommodations. Everything at the hotel remained consistently pleasant. I have done a lot of traveling around the world and Hotel Catalina unquestionably ranks among my top destinations. The Hotel Catalina and the gracious owners are truly the real deal if you are looking for a vacation filled with warm hearted people and beautifully equipped accommodations directly on the beach then Hotel Catalina is the only place to stay when visiting Jaco, Costa Rica!

“Quiet and a great place to get away”

Hotel Catalina

I am so glad I looked at all of the reviews for Hotel Catalina before booking. I could tell that it was a great place by the people who had a good experience there. It was everything they said. All I can say is that if you didn't have the experience you were hoping for, then don't blame it on the hotel -- it might just be you.

Naomi was so helpful and pays attention to everything going on -- I swear she can read your mind when you need a taxi or anything else.

To comment on another post: It is an informal process -- I was a little worried that I wouldn't have a room too, but NOT TO WORRY -- you can trust you will have a smiling face greet you when you check in.

Don't stay at this hotel if you plan to be loud. The people who stay here want a vacation, not a loud party.

There is no TV and no radio -- who needs to hear anything but the sound of the ocean and the animals in Costa Rica.

The rooms are clean and as far as I'm concerned have everything one needs to have a vacation. I felt very safe there -- Dino will let you know if anything is going on!

You can walk to the Zip Line Canopy Tour -- great fun!!!

My suggestion when you stay here: Walk to downtown Jaco on the beach and catch a cab home after you enjoy some fish tacos at Bubbas or pizza at Rioasis.

“Friendly and fabulous!”

Hotel Catalina

My husband and I enjoyed our stay, for six days, at Hotel Catalina so much that we intend to return there next year. The owners, Naomi and her mother, Sandra, made us feel so comfortable. We immediately felt at home, despite our "real" home being in Buffalo, New York. It helped us to be staying at a place which is owned and operated by Americans. I struggle with speaking and understanding Spanish, so it was so helpful to be able to get all the information I needed, in English from Naomi, to plan our day sight-seeing. The beach front location is fantastic. We were only steps away from the ocean. Our room was crisp and clean and had a lovely view of the waves. I especially liked having the kitchenette in our room so that we could have snacks handy all day.

“Great place right on the beach!”

Hotel Catalina

My wife and I spent 4 nights at Hotel Catalina and were completely satisfied w/ the hotel and the management. The rooms are very clean, the location is prime and everyone at the hotel is friendly and inviting. An added bonus are the kitchen and refrigerator in each room. Keep a supply of light snacks and drinks bought at the supermarket a mere 1.5 km away, enjoy the wonderful view from the balcony if you have rooms on the second floor and you have the perfect vacation location!

An American mother and daughter team run the place very professionally and were very accommodating. Contrary to a comment from another poster, we had no issues contacting them and found their correspondence to be prompt and efficient. We're definitely staying there when we go back.

“Hit the spot”

Hotel Catalina

Great choice if you find yourself in Jaco. The hotel is south of all the mess and could not be in a better location. This place is basic, clean, quiet. Family owned and operated. We had a great stay and look forward to going back.

“Couldn't have asked for more”

Hotel Catalina

My wife and I stayed here for our honeymoon at the end of March. Our room was very clean and spacious, with all the amenities you need for a tropical getaway. The air conditioning worked like a dream, and with temperatures like that, you need it. The room rates were so good, I felt as if I should pay more.

Naomi and Sandra were incredibly hospitable and treated us like family. It felt more like staying in a friends guest house than a hotel. The grounds were meticulously maintained, safe and secure. In addition, the dog, Dino, was adorable, well behaved, and a very nice addition to the experience.

It is located just out of town, so I recommend buying some groceries(the essentials) for the refrigerator in your room, in case you get hungry. If it is in your budget, than rent a scooter. Besides being alot of fun, they are great for buzzing in and out of town(otherwise a 10-15 minute walk that you probably don't want to make at night). I would't recommend this hotel for hell-raising party animals, but anyone else would be making a mistake by staying elsewhere.

“Great Place! Martin. UK.”

Hotel Catalina

I just returned from a 6 night stay at the Catalina apartments and thought I would record my comments.

I booked by contacting the hotel directly and from the start had great help and advice from Naomi (who runs the place). This was my first visit to Costa Rica and I spent 2 days in San Jose before travelling down to the pacific coast. Rather than pay for an expensive shuttle or taxi I took the bus option which departs from the coca cola bus depot in the city, there is a small kiosk where you can pre-book your ticket for one of the 5/6 daily runs to Jaco, pre-booking is advised as the route can be busy, cost was approx $3!

The bus terminates in Playa Jaco and a $2 taxi ride or 10min walk will have you at the Catalina. The rooms are simple and straightforward and are equipped like a little bedsit with fridge, two ringed cooker, pots/pans etc. though no TV or radio. The beach -which is coarse brown volcanic sand- is approx 50 metres away. I rented a surf board (a 9'2" NSP for $15/day) from the Carton Surf Shop around the corner which gives great advice. The first 2 days were hopeless with the waves closing out and lines of pounding white water, fortunately the situation changed and I had some great sessions later in the week, Best times are early morning or late afternoon (depending on the tides) and you can sit out in the luke warm water and watch the sunset. It's a safe beach break with clean water, no rocks, reefs or pests, though watch out for jumping fish and diving birds! Takeoffs are pretty steep and wipe-outs rough so not really suitable for beginners, though in the dry season the waves might be more benign.

Walk to town is approx 15 minute walk, though most nights I couldn't be bothered and just ate at the local soda which serves great food and cold beer and you can sit with the locals and watch junkie TV programs and US movies in Spanish!

Most commercial premises have English speakers though off the beaten track this is not the case, so a phrase book is recommended. Banko Nacional in the town centre has private booths containing ATM machines and they also exchange currency, though I was advised that it's best to change dollars into colones at the airport (there is a bureau in the arrivals hall) as you get a better rate than the bank.

Whilst there I rented a small motorbike (Honda KS125) from a place in town and went exploring with plenty of opportunity of going off the beaten track. I also rented a small 4x4 from Payless and as there is only a $30 penalty for dropping the car at SJO I'd recommend renting one at the end of your trip and driving it back to the airport, it's an interesting trip! Tico driving is not as bad as I'd heard, though they are prone to overtaking on blind bends!

Jaco is quite 'touristy' and I saw one trinket shop selling Australian Diggery Doo's and African carved figures?! though you don't have to travel far to find the 'real' Costa Rica where you'll see quite a disparity between the brand new condo's going up for second home Americans and poor Tico's in run down shanty towns. I never felt threatened and crime -especially violent crime- is almost unheard of, though theft off -and from- cars is rife, so never leave anything in a vehicle if you rent one. On the whole a wonderful experience, there is something about the personality and lifestyle of Costa Rica that infects you, l definitely want to go back...

“Just Right!”

Hotel Catalina

For a couple from California, with varied interests, (he is military, she is a school principal) the Hotel Catalina was the perfect setting for the majority of a 10 day vacation. We both enjoy an environment where we can meet and mingle with local population and yet feel secure when it is time for "lights out". Recent trips to Mexico and Canada were enjoyable, but our stay in Costa Rica at the Hotel Catalina was top notch! Sandra and Naomi are excellent hosts, providing assistance, information and valuable advice on local services, eateries, transportation and activities. The hotel is located on the South end of the beach in Jaco. The room we occupied was a "Fan Room" (no A/C). Being on the beach, the sea breeze kept us comfortable. Those who would rather have complete control of the temperature should reserve an A/C room. We chose to walk for our two daily trips to town, using a taxi only twice, and only then because of the load we were carrying. On our next visit we will rent bicycles as the walk to the far end of town is about 2 miles (one way). Restaurants, clubs, shops, and bars of all types line the main street of Jaco. Prices are fair and the CR currency is a snap to convert mentally, with the Colone exchanging at about 500 to the US dollar. Most businesses take US $ and give Colones in change. We stayed at the Best Western Irazu' in San Jose for one night on arrival, and the night prior to the return to CA, insuring no last minute foul-ups due to road closures or traffic problems would interfere with our flight plans. The cost for the shuttle between San Jose and Jaco is $20 per person. For those who may suffer from motion sickness - take your dramamine prior to boarding. Very interesting road!!! The travel time is about 90 minutes. The critical question is - "Would we go again?" You bet we would, and we will !!!

“Great service and privacy”

Hotel Catalina

What a wonderful way to spend your honeymoon! This is where we spent ours, and Naomi, Margarite, and Dino made it a fantastic experience! The staff was plesant and courteous. It was wonderful to have a dog there! Dino is a dog of many trades; the welcoming committee, security, and he was always ready to play fetch! We have only one minor complaint: We wish that we would've have a radio in the room. It was very quiet, and we felt 100% safe there. We felt like family! Thank you, Naomi! Keep up the excellent work, and we'll see you again soon!!